How do the unsaturated fatty acids in the phospholipids affect the structure of

Question

How do the unsaturated fatty acids in the phospholipids affect the structure of cell membranes?

a. Because the molecules of the unsaturated fatty acids are large and rigid, they reduce the flexibility of the lipid bilayer and add strength to the cell membrane.

b. The unsaturated fatty acids embedded in the membrane make it stronger and less fluid.

c. The unsaturated fatty acids have kinks in their carbon chains that provide a flexible, not fixed, structure that is dynamic and fluid-like.

d. The unsaturated fatty acids in the membrane emerge on the inner or outer surface only, whereas the saturated fatty acids extend through the membrane to both surfaces.

Explanation / Answer

Correct answer is c. The unsaturated fatty acids have kinks in their carbon chains that provide a flexible, not fixed, structure that is dynamic and fluid-like.

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